How to Repair a Window
From kids playing baseball or wind at night, windows break for a variety of reasons. Often, you can get your window back into working order by doing a few easy steps.
The easiest fix is to use tape to cover any cracks. Alternatively, you can purchase glass repair film that is similar to tape but is more durable.
Cracked or broken panes
A damaged or cracked window isn't just unattractive it can also cause air leaks in your home, allowing bugs, rain, and wind to get into. Double-paned windows are particularly susceptible to damage, as they can degrade the insulation created by the glass, and make your furnace or AC have to work harder to maintain the temperature of your home.
Cracks in your windows could be caused by a variety of factors, including impact and weather conditions. A fall from an object hitting the glass or even just pressure changes in your home can cause the exterior layer of the window to break, while the inner pane remains intact. This type of crack, also referred to as a pressure crack, is identified by its curving shape that resembles an hourglass.
Stress cracks can also develop between the exterior and interior layers of double pane windows. Extreme temperature fluctuations, particularly during the winter months or excessive pressure on the glass may cause cracks like these.
There are a few quick fixes for cracked or broken windows to block the elements of wind, water and bugs until you consider a long-term solution. You can use a piece cut to the size of a plastic shower curtain to cover the crack. This method isn't pretty but it can help keep your home warm and dry until you are able to tackle a more permanent repair.
If you want a more durable option, you can use glass adhesive which is normally used for windows in vehicles but also works in your home. You can purchase this adhesive online or at many auto repair shops. Follow the directions on how to apply it to your window. This kind of repair requires more work, but can last several years and prevent the crack from becoming worse. Depending on the severity of your window, you may want to consult a professional.
Water Infiltration
When windows leak, it can affect the appearance of your home and lead to water stains, mold and other damages. It is time to call in a professional if you notice water stains or spots on the wall surrounding a window. In some cases it may be necessary for the window to be replaced.
The most frequent reason for leaks around windows is a poor installation or the incorrect use of materials such as housewrap or building paper instead of flashing that is properly designed. It is also possible that the sill at the bottom of the frame isn't inclined downwards to drain water away from the home.
It is important to inspect both the interior and the exterior of your house when you spot a leak. Examine for signs of rot in the wood surrounding the window as well as damp walls and sills as well as paint that is bubbling or peeling. If you find any of these problems it's likely that the leak is coming from outside your window for some time.
A well-executed caulking job will aid in repairing minor leaks that occur around windows. You can apply a new layer of caulking yourself however, you'll have to thoroughly clean the area first to ensure a good seal. It may not be enough to stop the leak, particularly if you've got a problem that has been going on for a while.
Contact a trustworthy Dearborn company for window repair if find that your window is leaking. They'll conduct a thorough assessment and inform you if the leak is due to the window itself or whether it's an issue with the siding, roof, gutters or wall itself. They will also assist you to determine if it's worth attempting to repair the window or whether it is more sensible to replace it. After the professionals have completed the repairs and assessed the damage, they will give you advice about how to care for your windows.
window repairs Up Windows
Foggy windows can be more than just a visual issue. They can also create an energy efficiency issue. The cause of fog is water vapor condensing on a cold surface like glass. This can happen naturally when cold air collides with humid, warm indoor air, especially in a home where humidity is high. If windows become cloudy they lose their hermetically sealed insulating gas (often Argon or Krypton) and become less efficient. Foggy windows may also cause calcium deposits and other unsightly streaks on windows.
Install a dehumidifier next to the window. This will help to remove some of that moisture from the air. However, this does not solve the root issue of a leaky seal and it will not prevent further window fogging.
Another method is to drill holes into the window and use the drain snake that is wrapped in a pantyhose to remove the trapped condensation. It is an expensive cosmetic fix that is effective. It won't replace the inert gas between the panes and will still leave traces of stains and deposits on the window.
There are several reasons why windows with double panes can begin to fog. The seal can be damaged by sanding the frames or pressure-washing. It is also possible that the hermetically-sealed gas or air has degraded over time, particularly in older homes.
Many manufacturers offer a warranty to repair or replace defective thermal windows. However, in the event that the window has been in your house for more than ten or twenty years and is now hazy, it's likely beyond the scope of a warranty claim.
The best solution to fix cloudy or foggy windows is to replace them. A new, high-quality replacement window will not have issues with the seal being defective. This will result in clean, clear windows, better energy efficiency, as well as other benefits such as a warmer home and lower utility bills. The best way to be sure you purchase an excellent window is to hire an experienced window contractor. The right contractor will ensure the proper measurements and install for a long-lasting, dependable window.
Drafty Windows
The drafty windows can be a serious issue that can lead to higher heating bills in winter and cooling costs in summer. They can also cause discomfort and even health issues within your home. Window drafts result from gaps or cracks around the window panes and frame. These gaps allow warm air to escape from your home, while allowing cold air to be able to enter, causing the need for your AC or furnace to work harder to keep your home at a temperature that is comfortable.
A draft in a window could also be caused by problems with the seals or weather stripping around the frame. This is typical in older windows that have wooden casings. Over time, wood can expand and shrink, causing seals to fail. Most of the time, this is corrected by re-caulking or replacing the weather stripping.
Another reason that can cause drafty windows is the seal between the layers of glass in triple or double paned windows is broken and allowed the gas argon to escape. This can be a costly issue to fix and may require the assistance of a professional window replacement company in Glenview or other local areas.
The flame of a candle could be used to locate a drafty or cold window. Move the flame around the perimeter of the window frame and note any places where the flame is bent or flickers. This can help you determine the source of the draft.
Certain drafts in windows could be addressed by re-caulking the window or adding weather stripping. If the seals on your windows are damaged or the panes are cracked, you'll require replacement. It's important to consult with an experienced window replacement company to make sure that your new windows are energy efficient and have been installed properly. You can only save money on your energy bill if you contact an expert window replacement service. Contact Arch Design today to find out more about our window replacement and installation services. We're happy for you to get an estimate at no cost! We look forward to hearing from you!